General Practice - Quality & Outcomes Framework
QOF Prevalence Rates for Scotland
Introduction
This page presents information on the reported national prevalence of the individual diseases or conditions within the clinical domain of the Quality & Outcomes Framework (QOF) for the years 2004/05 to 2008/09. For 2004/05-2007/08, final figures are shown (based on signed-off, verified data). Added to these are initial figures for 2008/09, as calculated within the QOF data management IT system (QMAS) to support payments to practices. Once the final figures for 2008/09 become available (due to be published on 29th September 2009) they may differ slightly from the ones shown here for some registers. This is because:-
- the initial figures are not always based on data from as many GP practices as the final ones (some practices may have had technical difficulties in submitting their correct register sizes)
- the initial figures, calculated for the purposes of QOF payments, are derived in a different way to the final ones that ISD calculates and publishes.
Please refer to Prevalence data in the QOF to find out more about prevalence, why it is important in the QOF, how it is used in the calculation of QOF payments, and what warnings to bear in mind when using and interpreting QOF prevalence figures.
Additional information on the prevalence of long-term conditions can be found in 'Measuring Long-Term Conditions in Scotland - A summary report' and in the Scottish Health Survey .
Summary Information
The table below presents
Seven QOF registers have had a consistent definition since they were introduced in April 2004. These are: Asthma, Cancer, Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Hypertension, Hypothyroidism and Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA).
Four QOF registers maintained a consistent definition in 2004/05 and 2005/06 but were subject to revision from 2006/07. This means that the prevalence statistics for 2006/07 onwards are not directly comparable to those for earlier years. These four registers are: Diabetes Mellitus, Epilepsy, Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Mental Health.
A series of new registers was introduced to the QOF for 2006/07, of which eight have retained a consistent definition through to 2008/09, which means that prevalence rates can be compared over a three year period. These registers are: Atrial Fibrillation, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Dementia, Depression, Conditions Assessed for Depression, Heart Failure, Learning Disabilities and Obesity.
A further two registers, first included in the QOF for 2006/07, were redefined for 2008/09. This means that for these registers, Palliative Care and Conditions Assessed for Smoking, prevalence information for 2008/09 is not directly comparable with information for the two previous years.
Further information on register definitions, and changes to them for 2006/07 and 2008/09 can be found in the following documents
QOF National Prevalence rates by Register and Year (April-March),
per 100 patients registered with general practices; 2004/05-2008/09
Click on the specific register name for more detailed information and interpretation.
|
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
2008/09(initial) |
|
| Unchanged Registers | |||||
|
Asthma |
5.4 |
5.4 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.6 |
| Redefined Registers | |||||
|
Diabetes Mellitus |
|
|
|
|
|
Data Source: QMAS Database - 2008/09 data as at 1st June 2009
Excel version of this table
(23 Kb) also available for downloadNotes:
-
The rates for 2004/05 ? 2007/08 inclusive were calculated using all available QOF register data from practices. They were calculated by taking the sum of all the practice register sizes, dividing by the sum of all practice list sizes, and then multiplying by 100 to give the prevalence rate per 100 registered patients. The 2008/09 initial figures are the national prevalence rates calculated within the QMAS database in order to then adjust each practice?s QOF payments. Final figures for 2008/09 will be published as part of ISD?s full report on the QOF for 2008/09 on 29th September 2009, and may differ from the initial figures shown here. This is because:
-the initial figures are not always based on data from as many GP practices as the final ones (some practices may have had technical difficulties in submitting their correct register sizes)
-the initial figures, calculated for the purposes of QOF payments, are derived in a different way to the final ones that ISD calculates and publishes. The methodology used by QMAS in the calculation of national prevalence is described further in the General Medical Services Statement of Financial Entitlement for 2008 , annex G (page 296).
Detailed Information and Interpretation
Asthma
The prevalence statistics provided here are based on annual registers of practice patients with a diagnosis of asthma, excluding those who have had no prescription for asthma-related drugs in the last 12 months. Asthma remains a clinical area under the QOF, having been included in the framework from its first year, 2004/05. The current definition is consistent with previous definitions used since 2004/05. The QOF-reported national prevalence rate for asthma has risen very slightly from 5.4% in 2004/05 and 2005/06 to an initial 5.6% for 2008/09. The increase may have been due, at least in part, to improved case ascertainment by practices over time.
More information on why asthma was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
- 2008/09 - Quality and Outcomes Framework Guidance for GMS contract 2008/09

-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

- 2004/05 and 2005/06 - Quality and Outcomes Framework Guidance - Updated August 2004

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
- 2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2005/06 - Business Rules Version 7.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on the occurrence of asthma in Scotland (including consultation rates in general practice in 2003/04 to 2007/08) is available on ISD's Practice Team Information (PTI) web pages.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder. The QOF register definition applies to people with an initial event; paroxysmal (intermittent); persistent and permanent. Note that this register was introduced to the QOF in April 2006 so there are only three years of comparable data. National prevalence rates in
More information on why atrial fibrillation was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
- 2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Cancer
The QOF prevalence statistics provided are based on all cancers except non-melanomatous skin lesions but include only patients diagnosed after 1st April 2003. The current definition is consistent with previous patient selections used since 2004/05. Crude (non age-adjusted) National prevalence reported under the QOF has shown an increase from 0.5% in 2004/05 to 1.3% in 2008/09. Because of the date cutoff in the definition of the register, this rise primarily reflects the accrual of new cancer cases onto practice registers with each passing year rather than giving any indication of a true increase in cancer prevalence.
More information on why cancer was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

- 2004/05 and 2005/06 - Quality and Outcomes Framework Guidance - Updated August 2004

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2005/06 - Business Rules Version 7.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on the occurrence of cancer in Scotland is available on the following websites:
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary Heart Disease has remained a clinical area within the QOF, with consistent selection criteria, since QOF implementation in 2004/05. The QOF-reported national prevalence of CHD has remained stable since then, at 4.5%, with the initial figure for 2008/09 dropping only slightly to 4.4%.
More information on why coronary heart disease was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

-
2004/05 and 2005/06 - Quality and Outcomes Framework Guidance - Updated August 2004

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2005/06 - Business Rules Version 7.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on the occurrence of CHD in Scotland is available on the following websites:
Chronic Kidney Disease
The QOF indicators for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are based on a practice register of people aged over 18 with chronic kidney disease from any cause. Inclusion in the register is based on estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), a measure of kidney function. Those whose kidney function is assessed at stage 3-5 based on this test are eligible for inclusion on the register. Note that this register was introduced to the QOF in April 2006 so there are only three years worth of data available.
For 2006/07 the final prevalence rate reported through QOF registers was 1.8%, much lower than a true figure expected to emerge over time. The establishment of CKD registers in
More information on why Chronic Kidney Disease was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on the occurrence of chronic kidney disease in Scotland is available on the following website:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD has remained a clinical area within the QOF, with consistent selection criteria, since QOF implementation in 2004/05. The prevalence of COPD as reported through general practice QOF registers has remained stable at 1.8-1.9% in each year.
More information on why COPD was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

-
2004/05 and 2005/06 - Quality and Outcomes Framework Guidance - Updated August 2004

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2005/06 - Business Rules Version 7.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on the prevalence of COPD in Scotland is available at:
Dementia
The definition applies to all people diagnosed with dementia either directly by the GP or through referral to secondary care. This register was introduced to the QOF in April 2006 and there are no directly comparable statistics available for previous years. The final national prevalence rates for 2006/07 and 2007/08 were 0.6% in each case, whereas the initial figure for 2008/09 has fallen slightly to 0.5%. This appears contrary to expectations that further identification and recording of dementia cases over time may lead to increases in reported prevalence rates of dementia as derived from QOF registers. However, the final figure for 2008/09 may differ from the 0.5% reported initially. This was the case for 2007/08, when the initial figure (which can include missing or incorrect data for some practices) was 0.5%, lower than the final calculated figure of 0.6%.
More information on why dementia was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on the occurrence of dementia in Scotland is available on ISD's Practice Team Information (PTI) web pages.
Depression
Since 2006/07 there have been two different QOF registers and indicators related to depression, each based on different criteria. The first indicator relates to case finding of depression among patients with diabetes and/or Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). The second indicator relates to any patient newly diagnosed with depression since the preceding 1st April (e.g. for the 2008/09 QOF year, this would mean patients newly diagnosed after 1st April 2008). Both of the depression indicators were introduced to the QOF in April 2006 and there are no directly comparable statistics available for previous years in either case.
The register for the depression 1 indicator counts patients with diabetes and/or CHD. The indicator then measures whether patients with either or both of these conditions have been assessed for depression. Nationally, 7.2% of patients registered to general practices at 14th February 2007 had either diabetes, or CHD, or both ? this rose to 7.5% at 31st March 2009. This can be explained largely by a rise in the prevalence figures for diabetes over the same time period (from 3.5% to 3.9%).
The register for the depression 2 indicator counts patients with newly diagnosed depression. The indicator then measures whether the severity of the depression has been assessed, using an assessment tool validated for use in primary care. An unusual feature has been noted within the technical business rules that define how clinical IT systems should count the register sizes for this indicator. Although the measurement of achievement against this indicator excludes patients diagnosed prior to the preceding 1st April (e.g. 1st April 2008 in the case of the 2008/09 QOF year), the pre-exclusion register size is used for prevalence purposes. For some practices with a long history of recording depression electronically in the clinical record (and where the depression is not recorded as having been resolved), a larger register size will be reported in comparison to an otherwise equivalent practice that has not been recording depression cases electronically over as long a time period. Reported prevalence rates are relatively unaffected by this issue in the majority of cases, and the small numbers of practices that have been more significantly affected are not expected to unduly bias the overall national prevalence figure. The final figures for 2006/07 indicated that nationally 6.2% of patients registered to general practices at 14th February 2007 had been newly diagnosed with depression at some point. The final figure for 2007/08 and the initial one for 2008/09 are both higher, at 6.9%.
More information on why depression was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on the occurrence of depression in Scotland is available on ISD's Practice Team Information (PTI) web pages.
Diabetes Mellitus
Although indicators related to Diabetes Mellitus have existed in the QOF since April 2004, there has been a change in the selection criteria for counting patients QOF diabetes registers. Since April 2006, the definition includes all patients aged 17 years and over with diabetes mellitus defined by clinical (Read) codes specific to Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Previously there was a wider range of codes accepted under the definition although the age constraint has remained consistent. The prevalence statistics for 2006/07 onwards are therefore not directly comparable with those for 2004/05 and 2005/06.
It should also be noted that QOF prevalence rates use the whole practice population as their denominator, and in the case of diabetes do not exclude patients aged less than 17, even though the register itself is age limited. This means that the prevalence rates for diabetes that are reported through the QOF appear to be LOWER than they would be if patients aged less than 17 years were excluded from the population denominator.
The QOF-reported prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus has increased from 3.5% at 14th February 2007 to 3.9% at 31st March 2009. This increase may be due, at least in part, to improved case ascertainment by practices, but is also reflective of a real increase in the occurrence of type 2 diabetes in
It should be further noted that although the practice must record whether the patient has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, this level of detail is not recorded within QMAS (the national IT system that supports the calculation of QOF achievements and payments). Therefore the register size or prevalence rate cannot be split by type of diabetes.
More information on why diabetes mellitus was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

-
2004/05 and 2005/06 - Quality and Outcomes Framework Guidance - Updated August 2004

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2005/06 - Business Rules Version 7.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on the occurrence of diabetes in Scotland is available on the following websites:
Epilepsy
Although indicators for Epilepsy have existed in the QOF since April 2004, there has been a change in the selection criteria for eligible patients. Since April 2006, the definition of the register has included patients aged 18 and over, whereas previously it was 16 and over. It should be noted that QOF prevalence rates use the whole practice population as their denominator, and do not exclude patients aged less than 18 (or 16). This means that the prevalence rates reported for epilepsy as reported through the QOF appear lower than they would be if this age group was excluded from the population denominator.
The prevalence statistics for 2006/07 onwards are therefore not directly comparable with those for 2004/05 and 2005/06. Since 2006/07 the national prevalence rate derived from QOF registers in
More information on why epilepsy was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

-
2004/05 and 2005/06 - Quality and Outcomes Framework Guidance - Updated August 2004

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2005/06 - Business Rules Version 7.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on the occurrence of epilepsy in Scotland is available on the following websites:
Heart Failure
Patients with Heart Failure are included on two QOF registers, one of which is a subset of the other. The first of these registers counts all patients coded by general practices as having heart failure. This register, and accompanying indicators, was newly introduced to the QOF in April 2006. The second register counts the subset of patients who have heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). LVD was included as a register on the original QOF (2004/05 and 2005/06), but at that time the register related to patients on the coronary heart disease register who also had LVD. LVD was a subset of CHD in previous years, but all these patients are now counted under heart failure registers. This means that LVD rates for the first two years of the QOF are not directly comparable with LVD rates for 2006/07 onwards.
National QOF prevalence figures for heart failure in 2006/07 and 2007/08 were 0.9%. The initial figure for 2008/09 is similar, at 0.8%. Rates for LVD remain consistent at 0.6%.
More information on why heart failure was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2005/06 (Left Ventricular Dysfunction) - Business Rules Version 7.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Hypertension
Hypertension has remained a clinical area within the QOF, with consistent selection criteria, since QOF implementation in 2004/05. The final national prevalence figure for 2005 was 11.5%, and this has risen since to an initial figure of 13.4% for 2009. This increase may be due, at least in part, to improved case ascertainment by practices over time but is also reflective of a real increase in the occurrence of hypertension in
More information on why hypertension was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

-
2004/05 and 2005/06 - Quality and Outcomes Framework Guidance - Updated August 2004

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2005/06 - Business Rules Version 7.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on the occurrence of hypertension in Scotland is available on the following websites:
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism (having an under-active thyroid) has remained a clinical area within the QOF, with consistent criteria for counting patients, since the QOF was introduced 2004/05. Prevalence rates for this condition as reported through the QOF have risen gradually from 2.8% in 2005 to an initial 3.3% for 2009. This increase may be due, at least in part, to improved case ascertainment by practices over time but is also likely to reflect the gradual ageing of the population in
More information on why hypothyroidism was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

-
2004/05 and 2005/06 - Quality and Outcomes Framework Guidance - Updated August 2004

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2005/06 - Business Rules Version 7.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on the occurrence of hypothyroidism in Scotland is available on ISD's Practice Team Information (PTI) web pages.
Learning Disabilities
This register applies to all people aged 18 and over with learning disabilities. Note that this register was introduced to the QOF in April 2006 and that there are no directly comparable statistics available for previous years. It should be noted that QOF prevalence rates use the whole practice population as their denominator, and do not exclude patients aged less than 18. This means that the prevalence rates for learning disabilities as reported through the QOF appear lower than they would be if this age group was excluded from the population denominator.
The QOF-reported national prevalence of Learning Disabilities has increased slightly from 0.4% in 2007 to an initial 0.6% for 2009. These figures are both lower than estimates of overall population-based prevalence of learning disabilities as given in QOF guidance (around 2% across all ages). However, a high proportion patients with learning disabilities may not be recorded by practices as having such disabilities, for example if these patients do not attend the practice for other reasons.
More information on why learning disabilities were included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on learning disabilities is available on the following websites:
- ISD's Joint Future
web pages - Scottish Government Learning Disabilities
web pages
Mental Health
Although indicators for Mental Health have existed in the QOF since April 2004, there has been a change in the selection criteria used to count patients on QOF mental health registers. Since April 2006, the definition has included only patients with serious mental illness, defined as schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder or other psychoses. Previously, patient selection was based on more a more generalised set of mental health conditions and on the further condition that the patient required, and had consented to, regular follow-up. The prevalence statistics for 2006/07 onwards, although comparable with each other, are not therefore directly comparable with those for 2004/05 and 2005/06.
The prevalence rates for this selected set of mental health conditions, as derived from QOF registers, have remained consistent since 2007 at 0.8%.
More information on why mental health was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

-
2004/05 and 2005/06 - Quality and Outcomes Framework Guidance - Updated August 2004

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2005/06 - Business Rules Version 7.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on the occurrence of mental health problems in Scotland is available on the following websites:
Obesity
The definition of obesity used for the QOF applies to all people aged 16 years and over with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 30 (that is greater than or equal to 30kg per height in metres squared), recorded in the previous 15 months. Note that this register was introduced to the QOF in April 2006 and that there are no directly comparable statistics available for previous years.
The QOF-reported national prevalence of obesity for 2007 was 7.0%; this rose to 7.3% for 2008. For 2008/09 the national figure initially calculated for payment purposes was down to 6.9%, which is somewhat surprising, even allowing for the fact that the final figure for 2008/09, once available, may differ from the initial one given here. All of these figures are lower than the generally accepted rates of over 20% as published elsewhere (for example by the Scottish Public Health Observatory (ScotPHO) at www.scotpho.org.uk ). Some of this will be due to the fact that QOF prevalence rates use the whole practice population as their denominator and do not exclude patients aged less than 16, meaning that the prevalence rates are lower than they would be if this age group was excluded from the population denominator. However, this will not account for a great deal of the difference. Another likely reason is that not all persons who are definitionally obese may necessarily be recorded as such by general practices, for example if they are relatively young and have not experienced any particular health-related difficulties. However, there is still scope for case ascertainment of obesity by practices to improve over time.
More information on why obesity was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on obesity is available on the following websites:
- Scottish Public Health Observatory (ScotPHO)

- Women & Children's Health Information Programme
for statistics on childhood obesity.
Palliative Care
The definition of the palliative care register has changed since it was first introduced in April 2006. In 2006/07 and 2007/08 it applied to all practice patients aged 18 and over who were identified as being in need of palliative or supportive care. From April 2008, the age restriction was removed so that the register can now include any patient, irrespective of their age. This means that the figures for 2008/09 are not directly comparable with those for earlier years. This register is particularly difficult to interpret as by its very nature patients join and leave the list over time. Therefore, the number of patients included on a practice palliative care register is very much a snapshot of the situation at the time the register was taken (14th February 2007, 14th February 2008, 31st March 2009, respectively) and may not be a true reflection of practice prevalence throughout the rest of the year.
The initial 2008/09 QOF-reported prevalence rate for palliative care was 0.1%. As palliative care registers are subject to particular fluctuations over time, the ?Adjusted Disease Prevalence Factor? (see Prevalence data in the QOF for further explanation of this term) has not been applied in
More information on why palliative care was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Conditions Assessed for Smoking
The register to support two "new" smoking indicators (actually a reworking of several smoking indicators included in the original QOF) was introduced to the QOF in April 2006. However it is important to stress that a national prevalence of smoking cannot be derived from this register or previous indicators. The smoking indicator sets relate to the smoking status of people with one or more selected chronic conditions. The ?conditions assessed for smoking? register identifies how many patients at each practice have one or more of these conditions.
For 2006/07 and 2007/08 the register counted patients with any of the following conditions: Coronary heart disease, stroke or TIA, hypertension, diabetes, COPD or asthma.
For 2008/09, the definition of the register changed and included not only the conditions listed above but also added the following: Schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder or other psychoses.
The QOF-reported national prevalence of the listed chronic conditions for 2006/07 was 20.4% - that is to say, around one fifth of patients registered to general practices had one or more of the six conditions included in the register at the time. By 2007/08 the equivalent figure had risen slightly to 22.0%, likely to be due mainly to increases in the recorded prevalences of hypertension and diabetes. The initial figure for this register in 2008/09 was 23.6%, although as this additionally includes the selected mental health conditions listed above, the figure is not directly comparable with previous years.
More information on smoking indicators within the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on smoking is available on the following websites:
- Scottish Public Health Observatory (ScotPHO)
- For emerging statistics on smoking cessation
Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack
Stroke and TIA has remained a clinical area within the QOF, with consistent selection criteria for including patients on the register, since the QOF was introduced in 2004/05. Reported national prevalence has risen from 1.8% for 2004/05 to 2.0% for each of the past three years. The increase in the initial years of the QOF may be due, at least in part, to improved case ascertainment by practices over time.
More information on why stroke and TIA was included in the QOF is available in the following documents:
-
2006/07 and 2007/08 - Revision to the GMS contract 2006/07 - Scottish Guidance

-
2004/05 and 2005/06 - Quality and Outcomes Framework Guidance - Updated August 2004

Links to QOF Business Rules (contains the technical requirements for selecting the appropriate register):
-
2008/09 - Business Rules Version 13.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2007/08 - Business Rules Version 10.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2006/07 - Business Rules Version 9.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT) -
2005/06 - Business Rules Version 7.0
(Read codes version 2, CTV3 and SNOMED-CT)
Further information on the occurrence of stroke in Scotland is available on the following websites:
ISD General Practice 
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